14. I then commenced the following
address. You have heard, my children, the reading of the book of
Job, which, according to the appointed order and season, The Book of Job
is still read in the evenings of Holy Week in the Eastern Church. is being gone through. By
experience the devil also knew that this book would be explained, in
which all the power of his temptations is shown and made clear, and so
to-day he roused himself with greater vigour. But thanks be to
our God, who has so established you with faith and patience. I
had mounted the pulpit to praise Job alone, and I have found in you all
Jobs to praise. In each of you Job lives again, in each the
patience and valour of that saint has shone forth again. For what
more resolute could have been said by Christian men, than what the Holy
Spirit has to-day spoken in you? We request, O Augustus, we do
not fight, we do not fear, but we request. This beseems
Christians both to wish for peace and tranquillity, and not to suffer
constancy of faith and truth to be checked by fear. For the Lord
is our Leader, “Who is the Saviour of them that hope in
Him.” Ps. xvii. [xvi.]
7.